STRICTLY 2018: CONFIRMED CONTESTANTS

Former Blue singer and EastEnders actor Lee Ryan has been confirmed for this year’s Strictly.

The 35-year-old was revealed as being a contestant on Loose Women, and said: “I’m so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly line-up. It is a real honour for me and I can’t wait to get out on the dance floor.”

The comedian and actor, whose upcoming Strictly appearance was announced on The One Show on Friday, is best-known for his role in Jack Dee’s ITV sitcom Bad Move, and for numerous TV appearances on shows like Live At The Apollo and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.

“Having seen videos of me dancing on friends’ phones from the night before, it’s safe to say I’m petrified but also so excited,” Walsh said following the announcement.

“I’m really looking forward to the lifts, the Lycra and the laughs, although as Craig would probably say ‘dancing is no laughing matter dahhhhling…’”

Roberts first found fame in The Pussycat Dolls alongside Nicole Scherzinger, before leaving in 2010 to pursue her own solo career in music. In 2012, she competed in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, and came in second place behind Charlie Brooks (who has also appeared on both Strictly and I’m A Celeb).

She then took up a position on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway in 2014, replacing the departing Kirsty Gallacher, handing over to Scarlett Moffatt for the 2017 series.

“It’s happening! I’m taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode,” said Stacey Dooley after she was announced as the eighth Strictly celeb of 2018.

The investigative journalist and TV presenter – best-known for hard-hitting BBC documentaries including Stacey Dooley Investigates and Stacey Dooley on The Frontline: Gun Girls and ISIS – added: “Typically, work for me is very serious and can be quite hard core so I’m going to soak up the escapism and bathe in the sequins. See you on the dance floor!”

England cricketer Graeme Swann is the latest celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing.

As he was announced, he said his biggest worry was: “Basically just getting it wrong. I’ve never been taught how to dance. I don’t know anything!”

He also hinted that he was already worried about criticism of his dancing. “If you work for two weeks and your feet go here and your hands go there – if I get that wrong, that would be the end of the world for me,” he said.

Another thing he said was “horrific” was the thought of having his chest waxed as he has “the lowest pain threshold”.

The Radio DJ, who currently hosts Capital FM’s breakfast show with Roman Kemp, was the fifth celebrity confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2018.

Hope, 28, revealed the news on Capital herself, saying she was “honoured” to be going on the show and admitting she doesn’t have a huge amount of dancing experience: “I used to do contemporary dance, I’d pretend to be a tree or a rock. I don’t know how helpful that’s going to be…”

Joe, who is the brother of fellow YouTuber Zoella, was previously rumoured to be taking part. But now, he has been confirmed. Joe said: “I’m honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year!

“Not going to lie, I’m very nervous about it, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about I guess. Funnily enough I’m writing this statement whilst on the way to surprise my grandparents with the news. They are going to be so happy which will definitely make up for any embarrassment or cringe caused by my questionable rhythm.”

John-Jules, best known as Cat from Red Dwarf or policeman Dwayne Myers from Death in Paradise, was the third celebrity to be revealed for this year’s show.

As well as dancing with the cast of Red Dwarf for Comic Relief, John-Jules also performed alongside George Michael in the music video for Wham! single The Edge of Heaven.

“A friend of mine worked in their offices and they were looking for a couple of dancers,”John-Jules explained on The One Show. “So I ended up actually choreographing a bit of stuff for him. It was all based on his dancing more than ours. I just put a few little steps together.”

Of course, Tozer isn’t a dancing newbie, with the pop star having to pull off routines in front of live audiences before. “I think you’ll find a few of us have [experience],” she said when questioned by One Show host Alex Jones.

“It’s what makes it an interesting competition. Even though I have got some experience, I don’t have any ballroom experience, so I’m really excited to get my teeth into that.”

She added: “I feel so privileged and excited to be part of my favourite show on TV. I already know how much of an amazing experience it will be for me and I can’t wait to show my girls some of my new dance moves. I’m nervous to put on my dancing shoes but can’t wait to learn a new skill and have the Strictly tan and makeover!”

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